The Pitch
Like the Speed Midplus, the Head YouTek Speed Rev is manufactured with Graphene,an extremely strong and lightweight material.200 times stronger than steel, Head says that Graphene increases the shaft’s strength while also reducing its weight, thus allowing the company to add weight elsewhere in the grip and hoop for more power and maneuverability.

How It Tested
For players not quite ready to wield the heft of the Speed MP, there’s the YouTek Speed Rev. At a swift 9.7 ounces, and with its sweet spot located up toward the tip of the hoop, the Speed Rev caters toward intermediate baseliners with a penchant for power, comfort and maneuverability. Said a 3.5 playtester with a two-handed backhand and a Western forehand, “In my hands, the Speed Rev has a little more pop than the Instinct Rev, if less maneuverability. I was confident setting up winning points. Its control let me determine where my opponents went; its power let me finish them off.” What’s more, playtesters were overall impressed with the Rev’s spin potential, probably owing to its open string pattern. And, while acknowledging that net play wasn’t the Rev’s strong suit, many said that, for a grinder’s stick, it demonstrated good finesse and a soft, flexible response.

Bottom Line
A grinder’s stick with nuanced feedback, for intermediates with backcourt prowess.